Introducing the Stretch: Building Strength and Soundness скачать в хорошем качестве

Introducing the Stretch: Building Strength and Soundness

Asking a horse to stretch — when it’s done correctly and in balance, with the nose slightly in front of the vertical and not pushing into the bridle— has several important benefits. First, it helps strengthen the horse’s body in preparation for more advanced movements. It’s also a valuable tool for injury prevention, and it plays an important role in rehabilitating horses that show signs of bridle lameness or other non-specific lameness. Early in the rehabilitation process, I’ll allow the horse to stretch anytime he turns loose and finds that release on his own. Later on, I want to be able to send my horse into that stretch when I ask for it. If you’re unsure whether your horse is truly stretching — or simply dropping behind the vertical — videoing your rides can be a powerful tool. Often what we feel and what’s actually happening are two different things. Watching it back can help you develop your eye for correct balance and confirm that the horse is reaching forward with the nose rather than hiding behind the bridle. Real stretch strengthens the core, frees up the back, and helps the horse build strength from back to front.